Latest News

March 14, 2019 - After receiving thousands of comments from Nevadans opposed to a plan to allow oil and gas leasing in the Ruby Mountains, the U.S. Forest Service announced today that it is denying the application.

A private entity had requested access to 53,000 acres of land in the NE Nevada mountain range, often referred to as the "Alps of Nevada" for purposes of exploring for oil and gas reserves.

But Forest Service officials concluded there was little potential of discovering oil or gas and that the overwhelming public opposition and threats to the recreational, wildlife habitat, and scenic values outweighed the need to drill.

"The public won a major victory today," said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends. "We applaud the U.S. Forest Service for making the right decision. Thanks to everyone who raised their voices to defeat this disastrous proposal. This victory belongs to them."

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Almost two-thirds of Nevadans oppose the Trump administration's emphasis on energy production over conservation on public land, according to a new poll.

Researchers for the ninth annual "Conservation in the West" poll from Colorado College surveyed 400 registered voters in eight western states, including Nevada. They found that 64 percent of Nevadans want Congress to focus on protecting air, water and land – compared with 25 percent who said more drilling and mining should be a higher priority.

January 17, 2019 - The U.S. Navy has extended the public review and comment period by an additional 30 days for the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public comments may now be submitted through Feb. 14, 2019.

November 21, 2018 - The military wants to shut you out of more than 420,000 acres of valuable public land YOU own in order to expand the Fallon Naval Air Station bombing range across six counties in Nevada.

The Navy’s Fallon Range Training Complex is seeking to withdraw and reserve for military use approximately 604,789 (424,000 acres with no public access and the remainder with some access). This will be nearly 1,000 square miles, in addition to the 203,000 acres they already control. Click "Read more" to view an awesome video of what's at stake and to read up on how you can take action.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness highlighted the value of outdoor recreation on our public lands at the Nevada Day Parade Saturday in Carson City.

The Friends entry, “Outdoor Recreation is Gold for the Silver State,” featured the UTV decked out with recreation gear and supporters walking the parade route dressed for their favorite outdoor activity.

October 4, 2018 – The fire-damaged North Fork of the Little Humboldt River was a big winner in NVEnergy’s recent Power of Good Giveaway that awarded $3,000 to Friends of Nevada Wilderness for a habitat restoration project in the sensitive riparian area.

September 25, 2018 – While political wrangling continues at the highest levels of government over whether Nevada will receive federal emergency funds to restore vast swaths of rural lands ravaged by wildfire, the Friends of Nevada Wilderness is rolling up its sleeves in an effort to begin restoring sensitive riparian areas damaged by the Martin Fire along the North Fork of the Little Humboldt River. At nearly 435,000 acres, the Martin Fire that began in early July is the largest single fire in Nevada history.

Sept. 11, 2018 - The Reno Gazette Journal has posted two new online stories about Washoe County's disastrous public lands proposal. Friends of Nevada Wilderness urges our supporters to write letters to the editor and contact your county commissioners to explain why you oppose the proposal. We must keep up the pressure to tell policy makers to abandon this proposal and start the discussion anew, using a process that values all stakeholders equally.